Union Accuses Agriculture Ministry Over Failure To Investigate Dead Fishes In Niger Delta Coastline

The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association has accused the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Fisheries over failure to investigate the death of aquatic lives in the Niger Delta region.

The union expressed worries for the colossal loss of fishes in the south south region , saying that the government institutions would have earlier come up with the remote and immediate cause of the death and educate the public on the best way out of the crisis.

National President, NMNO/WTSSA, Engr. Bob Yousuo, in an exclusive message sent to Dailyfocus Nigeria on Tuesday, lamented that a variety of fish species where found dead in the Niger Delta coastline for almost two weeks ago without any intervention by the government institutions , noting that the seafarers union strongly condemned the act of negligence exhibited by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Yousou called on the National Assembly and the presidency to summon the Minister of Agriculture over failure of swiftly respond to the immediate cause of the death of the fishes in the Niger Delta coastline.

He tasked the fishery department of the ministry of Agriculture to brace up to her responsibility and liaise with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA)for the scientific finding towards the cause of the dead fishes as well as other related issues.

According to him,there is the need for a symbiotic relationship between NIMASA and the Ministry in proferring lasting solution to environmental and marine hazards.

The Merchant Navy Union boss also called on the citizens in the region to avoid eating the dead fishes due to the health implications .

The union also lauded efforts of NIMASA to investigate the death of aquatic lives in region even as it appealed to the agency to sanction erring organisations or group involved in the marine pollution

“It’s within her purview to oversee/monitor what happen to the aquatic animals in Nigeria territorial waters.

“A while after also found dead was a big fish which some people termed whale has been found along Niger Delta coastlines States. The cause of the unfortunate massive death of the fishes is likely to be attributed to poisonous pollution .

“Some local natives have taken it as means of food while some go there as tourist center but yet the ministry of Agriculture who has jurisdiction over fisheries has not say or taken any action.

” It’s within the purview of the Department of Fishery under the ministry of Agriculture to educate the populace on this uncommon occurence.

“We the seafarers union strongly condemn this act of negligence exhibited by the ministry of Agriculture. We are aware that the fishing trawlers obtain Permit licence & pay fees to the fishery department.

“With the strange creature & the nature of it’s death, the ministry of Agriculture would have shown concern but reverse is the case.

“We appreciate NIMASA under the ministry of transport for her prompt action to identify the cause of the dead fish as well as dissuading local people within that environment from consumption . We are aware also that NIMASA certifies the fishing vessels.

“The leadership of our Union has been advocating for synergy among ministries & parastatals. This incident call for synergy which is not in existence as they compete among themselves unnecessarily. A development that is not healthy for the growth of Nigeria economy.

The hazardous effect of consuming or marketing this dead whale might be worse than the immediate benefits derived hence people should disease from eating nor selling it.

“We want to use this opportunity to urge the fishery department of the ministry of Agriculture to brace up to her responsibility & liaise with NIMASA for the scientific finding towards the cause of the dead fish as well as other related issues.

“It’s within her purview to oversee/monitor what happen to the aquatic animals in Nigeria territorial waters.

” Besides, we also advise our members in the fishing industry to be mindful of fishing closely to area where the decaying substance is domicile.

By Roland Ekama